Machine washing degrades surface smoothness and base grip over time

Machine washing degrades surface smoothness and base grip over time.

Yes, it does. Even on pads labeled “washable,” the machine is rougher than you think.

The surface is usually a coated fabric or a textured plastic. Tumbling in hot water with detergent—especially with high spin cycles—wears down that coating. The rubber base gets abused too; the heat and agitation can make it less tacky or even warp it. A few washes might be fine, but after a dozen, you’ll feel the difference.

Some high-end pads (like Artisan or Corsair’s hard pads) can take more abuse, but even then, I’d hand wash with mild soap and air dry. It takes five minutes and adds years to the pad’s life.

If you want that perfect glide to last, skip the machine.